Ohawe Beach to Waihi Beach Coastal Walk

The walk can begin from either Ohawe Beach or Waihi Beach. Ohawe Beach is accessed by turning left into Ohawe Rd from Surf Highway 45, 5km west of Hawera. Alternatively you can turn west into Denby Rd. at Hawera. The descent to Waihi Beach is via a steep gravel track from the car park at the end of Denby Rd.

About

Safety First- This is a tidal route and is safe to walk up to 2.5 hours before and after low tide. Don’t forget to check the tide tables before you leave. Swimming is not safe along the walk but there is a safe swimming area at the end of the boat ramp at Ohawe Beach. Toilets and changing rooms are available here.

Points of Interest

Waingongoro River and Ohawe Beach

It was here at the mouth of the Waingongoro River that the first Maori settlers in Taranaki lived in small undefended settlements. The remains of moa have been found in cooking ovens around the edge of the present camping ground. Later, in the 1940’s a strongly fortified pa stood on an isolated hill within the last seaward bend of the river, where the car park is now located. The hill and pa have since been entirely removed by quarrying.

Cliffs

The uplifted marine terraces that form the South Taranaki coastline from Ohawe to Wanganui begin here. These cliffs are characterised by spectacularly high, soft papa rock that forms the lower part of the cliffs. These have been uplifted from the sea over the past 3 million years.

Rock Pools

The coastline features coastal reefs with two particularly large and accessible areas of rock pools. These pools contain a wide range of interesting sea life and are safe to explore at low tide.

Tram Rails

​Remnants of a tram rail can be seen at the base of the cliffs near the end of Hauroto Rd. This rail was used to haul shingle and sand from the beach to build roads and some of the earlier concrete buildings in South Taranaki.